G279 – Percutaneous nerve block catheter insertion
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Percutaneous nerve block catheter insertion for continuous infusion analgesia. This service is eligible for payment in addition to the applicable peripheral nerve or plexus block. Guidance methods such as nerve stimulation or ultrasound are not separately payable. When performed for a continuous combined 3-in-1 block, G279 is not payable with G260; instead, G060 is payable. Maintenance of the catheter may be claimed as a subsequent visit.
When to Use
- Use G279 when placing a percutaneous catheter for continuous infusion analgesia in conjunction with a primary peripheral nerve or plexus block.
- Use G279 in combination with G060 when performing a continuous combined 3-in-1 block, as G260 is explicitly restricted in this specific scenario.
Common Pitfalls
- Attempting to bill for ultrasound or nerve stimulation guidance separately; these are considered bundled into the G279 procedure and are not separately payable.
- Billing G260 alongside G279 for a continuous 3-in-1 block, which will trigger an automatic rejection; ensure G060 is used instead for the major nerve block component.
- Exceeding the limit of 7 claims for G064 (management/supervision) per single G279 insertion.
Billing Tips
- Always pair G279 with the appropriate peripheral nerve or plexus block code to ensure the base procedure is captured, as G279 is an add-on for the catheter insertion itself.
- If providing ongoing management after the initial insertion, bill G064 for each day of supervision, ensuring you do not exceed the 7-service cap per catheter.
Effective: April 1, 2025
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Procedure
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Payment rules: 1. G279 is eligible for payment in addition to the applicable peripheral nerve or plexus block. 2. G260 is not eligible for payment in addition to G279 when rendered for a continuous combined 3-in-1 block; G060 is eligible for payment in addition to G279 in this circumstance. 3. No guidance (e.g. nerve stimulation, ultrasound) used for percutaneous nerve block catheter insertion is eligible for payment.
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